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ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- While the normally slow public relations machinery, via Government Information Service (GIS), tried desperately to get ahead of the press, the word was out weeks ago from many close to Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) that he was not happy with the performance of his Permanent Secretary, Mr Brodrick Penn.

Now comes word that he is out, at least for now, and will move to a new post called Chairman of the Disaster Recovery Coordination Committee (DRCC).

The DRCC is a committee appointed by Cabinet to provide oversight and advice on all aspects of the Territory's recovery activities and initiatives, according to a just issued GIS press release.

So, Mr Penn will be relieved of his post as the Premier’s Permanent Secretary effective immediately.

Penn Out & Smith In

In his post will be Ms Dawn J. Smith, (sister of former Financial Secretary Neil M. Smith) General Counsel at the Financial Services Commission, who will assume the post of Acting Permanent Secretary.

Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, after considering the advice of the Public Service Commission (PSC), has approved the appointment of Ms Smith to act in the post of Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office with effect from November 1, 2017 according to a government spokeswoman, Ms Natalie O. Hodge, in a GIS statement.

A senior NDP official told our newsroom that “there were voices to get him out a long time, around the same time they moved the FS, but it was hard to find a replacement”.

The source alleged that the recruitment is still on for a permanent replacement as “Dawn has other goals in the legal and judicial field and may be considering an appointment.”

Since the 2015 snap election, Dr Smith’s leadership of the Territory’s affairs has been in question and many within his own party believe he is no longer capable of managing and leading the country. He has ousted his Financial Secretary, Mr Neil M. Smith and now his PS, Mr Penn.

So it seems that the chickens are coming home to roost. While I love to see young aspiring persons given a chance I also have to say that the 'Peter Principle' is used a lot on them, thus causing a shift in their trajectory. Young people must internalise their strengths and weaknesses and do not allow themselves to be hood winked into certain positions. These people are only self interested and rationale and after you meet their objective for the moment, they will kick you like a can down the road or rather, throw you under the bus. A word to the wise is enough.

Old ppl sa ; Parson christen he own child first ( its a family affaif)
Comrade Ralph said ; U either with us Or U against us
I sa ; its a wheel with in and with out
The bearings are falling ; the HUB is next

Them keep moving Broderick up and down. What is he going to do in this position? He understands whst should be happening at thic crucial time at all? Our country needs good people with good leadersjip qualities. If he makes a recommendation for the prisoners to help clean up this country and earn their daily monetary upkeep it would be good. In addition...he should recommend that Publiv Works gets a series of heavy equipment to clean up from depending on some of these greedy behind heavy equipment operators. The NDP sleeping man..

Life is circular. What goes around comes around and what goes up come down. The same people we passed with jaundiced eyes on the way up will be there when we crashed and burn on the way down. We should remember that the climb up the career ladder can temporary. People need to be treated with respect and dignity. From a religious perspective, one should treat others how one wants to be treated. And from a business perspective, treat people how they want to be treated. Without calling names, there are some folks dancing a jig or cutting a rug with the reassignment of Mr. Penn but let’s show some compassion. Let’s show some good form. Doc is keeping it real; he is like a quiet storm. Family or not if you are not meeting his expectation he will put you out to pasture.

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